Glastonbury Festival: UKHSA reveals key tips to stay safe
The UK Health Security Agency for the South West and Somerset Council have launched
The UK Health Security Agency in the South West and Somerset Council have launched a series of health warnings ahead of Glastonbury Festival.
It's as it has been revealed by the UKHSA that measles is spreading across the country and in Europe, with the council's director of public health saying most risks can be avoided by taking 'simple steps' to protect yourself.
It includes staying hydrated, washing your hands regularly, use sunscreen and make use of the medical facilities if you need to.
It's not too late to get your MMR vaccine
With measles spreading across the UK and Europe, the UKHSA is urging people who haven't received a vaccine to get protected.
Parents of young children, as well as teenagers and adults, are also being urged to check they are up-to-date with their vaccines, particularly before they travel this summer.
The virus spreads very easily and can lead to complications that require a stay in hospital and on rare occasions can cause lifelong disability or death.
Symptoms include a high fever, sore red watery eyes and a blotchy red brown rash, and is particularly easy to catch in environments when in close contact with others such as festivals or travelling.
Anyone with symptoms is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, before visiting the GP surgery or A&E, to prevent the illness spreading further.
Protection against measles, mumps and rubella starts to develop around 2 weeks after having the MMR vaccine, so there is still time to get the vaccine and ensure you’re protected in time for summer.
The risk of high temperatures
Here in the South West, we've experienced high temperatures for a number of weeks, with our first amber heat health alert of the year declared just last week.
The UKHSA are reminding us all that the hot weather can pose as a health risk for some people.
The forecast for the Festival is currently mixed, with rain forecast ahead of the Festival and for the first few days, with hotter weather expected towards the end of the Festival weekend, so remember to pack wellies/sturdy boots and waterproofs too.
Festival guests are reminded to stay safe during periods of hot weather, especially when walking around the Festival.
Remember to carry a refillable water bottle with you and drink it throughout the day, wear sun cream and a sunhat and avoid excess alcohol.
Remember to look out for one another. Keep a look-out for signs of heat-related harm in yourself, your friends, and other people around the Festival.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you are advised to drink some water or diluted fruit juice to rehydrate, find somewhere shaded to sit down and rest and avoid excess alcohol.
If symptoms have not gone away after 30 minutes of resting, seek help from one of the medical centres at the Festival.
The signs to look out for include:
- Headache
- Dizziness and confusion
- Loss of appetite and feeling sick
- Excessive sweating
- Pale, clammy skin
- Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- Fast breathing or pulse
- High temperature (38C or above)
- Being very thirsty
Cases of STIs are on the up
Cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasing across the UK.
The UKHSA is reminding everyone having sex with new or casual partners before or at the Festival to wear a condom and get tested regularly, whatever their age or sexual orientation.
Testing is free and confidential and you should get tested even if you are not showing any symptoms.
'Being aware of the health risks will help others'
Dr Bayad Nozad, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, said: “We want festival-goers to enjoy their time at Glastonbury and other festivals this year. Being aware of the current health risks will help those attending enjoy the weekend, and other events this summer, as much as possible.
“Measles is circulating across the country, and festivals are the perfect place for measles to spread. If you’re not fully vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella, please contact your GP to see if you can get an appointment before coming to the festival. If you feel unwell or have been advised isolate as a result of measles or another infection, please continue to do so.
"We are also seeing an increase in cases of STIs, with large rises particularly in young people. STIs aren’t just an inconvenience – they can have a major impact on your health and that of any sexual partners.
"Condoms are the best defence, but if you didn’t use one the last time you had sex with a new or casual partner, get tested to detect any potential infections early and prevent passing them on to others. Testing is important because you may not have any symptoms of an STI."
Professor Trudi Grant, Director of Public Health for Somerset Council, said: “Keeping yourself safe over the Glastonbury weekend is paramount. Most health risks can be avoided by taking simple steps to help protect yourself. Regular good hygiene can help prevent the spread of most germs and infections and remembering to keep yourself cool and avoid excess alcohol can help keep you safe during periods of hot weather.
“We are encouraging everyone who attends the Festival to take some basic steps to protect themselves and others:
- Familiarise yourself with the health and safety advice on the Glastonbury Festival website before you travel and encourage your friends to do the same
- Avoid travelling if you are feeling acutely unwell
- Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, particularly in hot weather
- Wash hands regularly and carry hand sanitiser with you – and take a face covering/face mask with you in case you need it
- Never take a BBQ into a tent - despite being out in the fresh air, carbon monoxide can build up to levels that can kill very quickly in enclosed spaces
- If you are preparing food – wash fruit and vegetable well and cook meat thoroughly to avoid food poisoning
- Stay safe in the sun by using sun lotion, wearing a hat and seeking shade in the hottest parts of the day
- Wear protection if having sex, but recognise that this may not prevent transmission of some infections such as mpox
- Seek advice if you become unwell – there are medical facilities around the Festival site, including two dispensing and retail pharmacies.”
Glastonbury 2023 takes place on Worthy Farm from this Wednesday (June 21).
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